Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
Right-of-way is not something you have; it is something other drivers give you. The exam rewards the driver who yields when in doubt.
Who goes first
- Four-way stop: first to stop is first to go. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right - even if the left-turner arrived first.
- Uncontrolled intersection: yield to the vehicle on your right.
- Roundabout: traffic already inside the circle has the right of way. You yield on entry and never stop once inside.
- Left turn from a two-way street: yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Driveway, alley, or private road entering a public road: you yield to everyone.
Speed: obey the posted limit, but the basic speed law always applies - never drive faster than is safe for rain, fog, or traffic. Puerto Rico's tropical downpours are a favorite exam scenario.
Following distance: at least three seconds in good conditions, four in rain, more at night or when loaded.
Passing: never pass on a solid yellow line on your side, at intersections or railroad crossings, on hills or curves with limited sight distance, or in a posted no-passing zone. Pass on the left and do not return to the lane until you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror.
Move Over law: when an emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle is stopped with lights flashing, change lanes if you can do so safely; if you cannot, slow down and pass with care.
Trap: many test-takers lose points by assuming the first driver to arrive always goes first at a four-way stop - the left-turning exception overrides that.